What an enjoyable (and biting) read. Here’s a story entirely made up of truths, partial truths, and lies. Playing off of this nation’s current fixation of anything said by anyone must be true if it is hurtful, far-fetched, or furthers something we want to believe is true. The author calls it “mythomania” and it has swept this country and much of the world. He uses satire very effectively so it delivers a lot of smiles and head shaking when you understand what his actual meaning is.

This is also a commentary on identity: who think we are, who we want to be, and the lengths we will go to avoid a painful past. Mixed into the book are lots of gems: a conservative religious girl who doesn’t blink at murder, uber rich moguls who deal in nerve gas, bankers who cheat everyone—even themselves, and the star—a master liar who means no harm. I enjoyed every page and often found myself reading parts aloud to my husband!

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for the ARC to read and review.

This wild tale follows middle aged white man Boyd Halverson just after he robs a bank and takes off with the teller to Mexico. The high-paced, over-the-top road trip story just keeps going - even the start of the Covid pandemic doesn't slow the pace of the book down. Readers who love Coen brothers movies will be drawn to this book.

A meandering tale following the hapless Boyd Halverson... for the most part, and his comedy of errors and companions after robbing a bank and beating it for parts unknown.
At once a sweeping, scathing criticism for the "mythomania", or compusive lying, that seems to have swept the nation, if not the world, America Fantastica is ultimately about our broken, troubled pasts and how... if we get lucky... we may just be able to find another broken, trouble past that fits with ours to make a whole.

My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"America Fantastica" by Tim O'Brien is a satirical and rollicking odyssey that offers a biting commentary on the state of contemporary America. In a world filled with deceit and disinformation, O'Brien weaves a captivating narrative that explores the consequences of living in a society plagued by fantasy.

The story kicks off with an audacious bank robbery, committed by Boyd Halverson, a former star journalist turned notorious online disinformation troll turned unlikely hero. Boyd's hostage, Angie Bing, a diminutive redhead with boundless energy, becomes an integral part of this adventure. Together, they embark on a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, pursued by hitmen, jealous lovers, and the ghosts of Boyd's past.

O'Brien's prose is sharp and witty, reminiscent of the great satirists like Jonathan Swift and Mark Twain. Through Boyd and Angie's escapades, he delves deep into the causes and costs of embracing outlandish fantasies. In a world where truth is elusive, "America Fantastica" challenges readers to question the delusions and disinformation that shape our reality.

The characters in the novel are a diverse and eccentric cast, each with their own quirks and motivations. Angie Bing, in particular, shines as an exuberant and unforgettable character who provides a counterbalance to Boyd's penitent and compulsive nature. Their dynamic is a highlight of the story.

O'Brien's narrative skillfully navigates the complexities of contemporary America, touching on themes of media manipulation, the consequences of unchecked fantasy, and the erosion of truth. The novel's exploration of Boyd's transformation from a disinformation troll to a reluctant hero adds depth to the story and invites readers to consider the consequences of their own choices.

"America Fantastica" marks the triumphant return of Tim O'Brien, a master storyteller known for his thought-provoking and incisive works. In a time when truth is elusive and delusion is rampant, O'Brien's novel serves as a timely and insightful reflection on the state of the nation. It's a must-read for those who appreciate sharp satire and literary fiction that challenges the status quo.

DNF at 15%. After the poorly written and executed first few pages (supposed to be satire), I struggled in trying to continue the story of Boyd Halverson and the bank robbery. I gave up after I read the second supposed satirical section. America Fantastica wasn’t so fantastic for me.

“america fantastica” is a (literal) wild ride following a bank robber, boyd halverson, and his hostage as they travel across the country and back to settle some of boyd’s scores. set in a post-trump, pre- to early covid landscape, lies and deceit are the through line of this novel.

this was a fun read for the most part; obrien is great at writing idiosyncratic, complex characters who are by most measures terrible people but that you can’t help but care for.

i had the same problem with “america fantastica” as i did with michael cunningham’s “day” — both use covid as a plot device in ways that i found unsavory and unnecessary. i also found the overly-political parts & opaque references to donald trump to be too heavy handed and played out. i just know o’brien isn’t over the 2016 primary in the most reductive way.

America Fantastica is a powerful work of literature. Despite being written in paragraph form, the text is very poetic. I could imagine this story being adapted to film by Quentin Tarantino or a director with a similar style.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a free ebook ARC to read. This is my honest review, and I am trying my best to avoid spoilers.

Without revealing much of the plot, I want to celebrate the story of America Fantastica. The author Time O’Brien magnificently gives us interesting characters with clashing ideologies, even with so many of them connected to the criminal world. I like when authors provide gray areas for characters and there is plenty of that in this novel. The beginning captured me with the bank robbery and twist on the hostage concept. The potential flirting/love triangle/revenge aspects landed well. I was quite amused, smiling and delightly laughing along the way with the reveals, especially with the bank owners.

I recommend this book to fans or literary fiction, crime fiction, and poetic prose. Here’s to hoping we get another book from Tim O’Brien soon[er rather than later]!

LOVED THIS BOOK!! There's just a whole lot here!

Tim O'Brien, one of my most favorite writers, does it again (after we all waited patiently for YEARS for a new novel) with this fun romp through contemporary times of "mythomania" and bank robbers, Boyd and Angie. The two trek across the country and meet up with some strange and wonderful (well developed) characters. The story is long and complicated at times, but so enjoyable to read and process. I am "warmly stunned" by the conclusion and LOVE that the story ended the way it did. Now, I think I understand what led Boyd to perpetually create untruths, and how and why they sustained him.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review America Fantastica.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishers for this Advanced Readers Copy of America Fantastica by Tim O'Brien!

Both a page-turning story of adventure and misadventure, as well as a book with much to say about the current state of truth and misinformation in our society. Readers who loved Tim O'Brien's previous books will be happy to see this one, as will readers new to him who enjoy offbeat, intense literary fiction that keeps a fast pace and features memorable characters. I look forward to recommending this title.

I was SO excited to see a new book by Tim O'Brien. The Things They Carried is an all-time favorite of mine, and O'Brien is a master of creating story and building it out to address the horror and American hypocrisy hidden in plain sight. Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC.

Having recently read Charles Frazier's The Trackers, and in reading the first chapter of America Fantastica, it looks like some of the literary heavy hitters of America are writing on both the impact of the pandemic and our political gridlock/ Trump effects with blistering prose. They are brutal in their tales - both Frazier's comparisons to the 2020s to the Great Depression, and O'Brien's take on the ludicrousness of mythomania today. O'Brien describes the ridulousness of US news and politics in ways that are far-fetched while also being close enough to what we expect is real today, things like "Gunfire, declared an enthusiastic Senate staffer, is the dance music of American liberty." O'Brien pulls no punches - and the characters he utilizes span a large swath of Americans each mired in their own expectations of their lives and the ways America bolsters their personal views.

America Fantastica follows bank robbing Boyd and kidnapped bank teller Angie as they are on the run from a multitude of characters across multiple states. Through these interactions, O'Brien presses on the American psyche, pushing on both the impacts of the pandemic and the abject brainwashing and cherry picked news growing increasingly darker since 2016. O'Brien's characters confront each other and themselves while grappling with the largee American institutions at threat, and also addressing how we fall into lies ourselves- "Why risk failure when a fib is always conveniently at hand?" and "Everybody on earth - we trade in reality for whatever keeps us going."

O'Brien clearly felt strongly about the subject matter, and it showed in all aspects of the story. I highly reccomnend this to anyone who doom scrolls the news or is seeking validation on the state of the USA and I definitely recommend it to all creative writing majors as O'Brien remains a veritable master with prose, pacing, and character.

America Fantastica, the latest from Tim O'Brien, will be published October 24, 2023. Mariner Books, a Harper Collins imprint, provided an early galley for review.

While look through titles for upcoming ordering, the cover of this one jumped right out at me. Then the description was equally intriguing. I put it on my list to check out.

The story is contemporary with a backdrop of familiar current events at the time of writing. O'Brien uses the narrative parts to provide a bit of commentary on the state of those affairs here in the States as he discusses the grip mythomania (an abnormal or pathological tendency to exaggerate or tell lies) on our nation. The underlying themes of lies and truth are weaved throughout this novel.

The cast of characters, which swells right out of the gate, is varied and highlights the darker, morally questionable approaches to getting by in challenging situations. We're talking some truly ruthless people for fittingly ruthless time. On occasion, I found it difficult to keep track of everyone without a score card. O'Brien's dialogue reminds me of films by the Coen Brothers or Quentin Tarantino - where everyone is snappish and sarcastic.

At times, I felt this one didn't work for me but pressed on. In the end, I'm glad I did. This is one of those tales that will have you thinking about in the back of your mind long after you've finished the final page.

Where are the editors when you need them? This tour de force of a novel is waaaay too long, but is also full of fun, fury, politics and inventive characters, most of them corrupt (the men, in the main) and some of them wise and sympathetic (largely the women). It’s both a political satire and a picaresque, bang up to date with its stress on mythomania. Or lying, as it’s known. The infection of the nation, alongside Covid, is a nice pairing. The stress on one character’s addiction to lying is less appealing but works in the context. O’Brien is to be congratulated on his fecundity and brio and invention. But someone should tell him about he art of knowing when to stop.

A similar tone and edge as O’Brien’s famous The Things They Carried. This novel was a send up of the American Dream, but, in the end, didn’t quite pack the punch of his earlier novel.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book for review.

"America Fantastica" is a literary gem that takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the heart and soul of the United States. This thought-provoking and beautifully written book is a captivating exploration of the nation's diverse landscapes, cultures, and stories, offering a profound and intimate look at the American experience.

The prose in "America Fantastica" is nothing short of enchanting. The author's mastery of language and vivid descriptions make every page come alive, transporting readers to the breathtaking beauty of the American landscapes. Whether it's the rugged terrain of the Southwest deserts or the lush tranquility of the Appalachian mountains, the book skillfully paints a vivid picture of the nation's geographical wonders.

What truly sets this book apart is its ability to dive deep into the rich tapestry of American life. It weaves together narratives from all corners of the country, celebrating the diversity of voices, experiences, and dreams that make up the United States. From the tales of immigrants seeking a new life to the inspiring stories of individuals pursuing their dreams, "America Fantastica" shines a light on the resilience and spirit that define this nation.

The author's meticulous research is evident throughout the book, offering a comprehensive and insightful look at the nation's history, culture, and social fabric. This blend of fact and fiction creates a rich and immersive reading experience, allowing readers to not only appreciate the beauty of America but also gain a deeper understanding of its complexities.

Moreover, "America Fantastica" is a thought-provoking exploration of the American identity. It challenges readers to reflect on what it means to be an American and the values that underpin the nation's identity. It's a timely and relevant conversation in today's world, making the book not just a captivating read but also a source of introspection and discussion.

In conclusion, "America Fantastica" is a literary triumph that should be on the reading list of anyone who appreciates the power of storytelling, rich cultural narratives, and a deep exploration of the American experience. This book is a testament to the beauty and diversity of the United States, and it leaves readers with a profound sense of appreciation for the nation's history and potential. It's a literary journey that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper connection to the American spirit.

I've been reading Tim O'Brien for more than 40 years (since a deep dive into Going After Cacciato in a lit class in 1980!). America Fantastica is not my favorite of his books, but the writing is stellar. It starts with a bank heist (that the bank owners don't want you to know about) and from there meanders around the country, dives into fascinating backstories, and is chock full of fast moving dialogue among an outlandish set of characters. Set in 2019, it takes on that particular moment in time with well-honed precision. I found myself wishing it were toned down just a bit (I sometimes felt like I was in a never-ending West Wing "walk and talk") and perhaps one less story interwoven with the rest. All in all, though, a rollicking read.

DNF'd at 11% -- just not working for me at all. Feels like my boomer father's Facebook feed writ large.

I loved The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien, and was hoping this would be a repeat of that level of enjoyment. Unfortunately, I was disappointed.

America Fantastica is the story of a failed journalist who robs a bank, kidnaps a former girlfriend, and goes on the run. The former girlfriend alerts her current fiancé who - along with some hooligans he gathers up - begin their pursuit. What ensues is nearly a year-long, cross-country “chase” as the details of the robbery, as well as what led up to it, unfold - which made the robbery maybe a little less than what it was. The bank is definitely not getting the police involved.

All the characters are flawed - cheaters, shady businessmen, thieves, con men, and the like. And while I don’t mind flawed characters, for me, they weren’t redeemed. There wasn’t anyone I felt invested in and was pulling for. So while the story itself was an interesting premise, my lack of connection kept me from loving it as I did O’Brien’s prior work.

Tim O'Brien is no doubt one of the most gifted writers in this country, but I just did not like the subject matter of this book. I found it too depressing and I was not able to relate to the characters.

Tim O'Brien's first book in twenty years should be just as momentous an event as Cormac McCarthy's publication of "The Passenter"/"Stella Maris". That's the company I keep him in. It's about America, as all his books have been, but this time it's contemporary, current, modern. In "The Things They Carried," O'Brien wrote "In many ways, he was like America itself, big and strong, full of good intention, a roll of fat jiggling at his belly, slow of foot but always plodding along, always there when you needed him, a believer in the virtues of simplicity and directness and hard labor." Using a similar lens to the one he turned on the Vietnam War, O'Brien now examines our nation as it stands today... the irony being that he's much more "savage" than he ever was in any of his war novels. This is the "fuck it all" book I've been waiting for!